What is it really like to live with hearing loss?
In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped Podcast, Mike Bolland sits down with Janelle Parker, founder of TAMCO Learning, to discuss her lifelong journey with hearing loss and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Janelle shares how she was born with a unique “cookie bite” hearing loss, received her first hearing aid before age four, and adapted to life in a world designed for hearing people. She also discusses the dramatic evolution of hearing aid technology, assistive devices, and accessibility tools that have transformed opportunities for people with hearing loss.
During the conversation, Janelle explains:
- What “cookie bite” hearing loss means
- How hearing aid technology has changed over the years
- Common misconceptions about hearing loss
- Why clear communication matters more than simply speaking louder
- The role of visual cues, patience, and advocacy
- Resources and grants available for hearing assistive technology
- How humor can help navigate daily challenges
- The mission behind TAMCO Learning and its educational resources
Janelle also shares insights from her work helping others with hearing loss and discusses her upcoming book focused on relationships and hearing loss.
Whether you’re living with hearing loss, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about accessibility and communication, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and valuable perspective.
Learn more about Janelle’s work at TAMCO Learning: https://tamcolearning.com/
Subscribe to the We’re Not Stumped Podcast for more conversations featuring people with disabilities, advocates, athletes, authors, and community leaders who are redefining what’s possible.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this uplifting episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares remarkable stories of amputees who are making a difference. Starting with a West Virginia teen who became a beacon of strength and positivity for his family after amputation, showing how resilience can inspire loved ones. Next, a dive into the journey of a double amputee who’s pursuing his dream of playing baseball. Finally, a spotlight the Beautifully Made Community, a group empowering those with physical differences to embrace their unique beauty.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Susan Fumagalli, a true inspiration and advocate for amputees around the world. Susan opens up about her personal journey through limb loss and her experience with osseointegration—a groundbreaking technology that has changed her life and could reshape the future of prosthetics for countless individuals. Susan shares her story, from the physical and emotional challenges of losing limbs to the hope and transformation that osseointegration has brought to her life.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into two powerful stories of resilience and determination. First, we learn about an Arizona teen and shooting survivor who needs a new prosthetic to continue playing the sport he loves: football. Mike explores the journey of recovery, the drive to stay in the game, and the community’s efforts to help him succeed. Then, hear about the life-changing impact of a generous GoFundMe donation from a Vanderbilt professor for a quadruple amputee. Discover how this incredible act of kindness transformed a life.
